Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: Officials of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) conducted an inspection at the Mapusa market sub-yard after a complaint was filed by the civic group Together for Mapusa over alleged environmental violations and illegal land filling activities.
During the site visit, pollution board officials surveyed the area and collected photographic evidence. Sources in the department said a detailed inspection report would be prepared shortly, following which further action may be initiated depending on the findings.
The inspection comes after members of Together for Mapusa, headed by president Mahesh Rane, met North Goa Collector Ankit Yadav and submitted a memorandum highlighting what they described as serious environmental and civic concerns at the site.
In the representation, the group alleged that filling activities carried out near the sub-yard boundary had obstructed a drain located behind the market complex, affecting the natural flow of rainwater.
The activists warned that if the blockage is not cleared before the monsoon, several parts of the market and adjoining residential localities could face flooding due to lack of proper drainage outlets.
The memorandum, signed by Mahesh Rane and general secretary Jitesh Kamat, also alleged that waste materials, including plastic, were being openly burnt at the location, leading to pollution and health concerns for nearby residents.
Seeking urgent intervention, the civic group urged the district administration and the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to immediately stop the filling work and initiate action against those allegedly involved in waste burning. The group has also demanded registration of an FIR in the matter.
Together for Mapusa further called for a joint inspection involving departments such as Revenue, Water Resources Department (WRD), Town and Country Planning (TCP) and the Forest Department to assess the situation comprehensively.
The memorandum additionally recommended a drone survey to determine the extent of encroachments and land reclamation activities in the area.
As part of its suggestions, the group also demanded restoration of a stream channel connecting the market area to the Mapusa river and sought temporary safeguards to prevent further obstruction of the water flow.
Warning of legal action, the activists stated that they would move the courts if authorities fail to issue a stop-work order within 48 hours.
